Lebanon and Syria have agreed on a ceasefire following deadly cross-border clashes that left 10 dead and 52 injured. Defence ministers emphasized ongoing communication to prevent further escalation, while recent geopolitical shifts due to Islamist rebels challenging Assad’s regime continue to strain the region. Additionally, Lebanon’s Foreign Affairs Minister held discussions in Brussels to address the situation.
Lebanon’s Defence Minister, Michel Menassa, and his Syrian counterpart, Murhaf Abu Qasra, announced a ceasefire following recent cross-border clashes that resulted in 10 fatalities within two days. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that 52 individuals were injured during these confrontations.
In addition to the ceasefire agreement, the defence ministers underscored the importance of sustained communication between their respective army intelligence directorates to averting further escalation along the border.
The mountainous border region has experienced heightened tensions over the past three months since Islamist rebels succeeded in toppling Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria. This conflict has fundamentally altered the dynamics in the area, with the installation of new institutions allied with Iran and its regional proxies, including the Lebanese group, Hezbollah.
In related diplomatic endeavors, Lebanon’s Foreign Affairs Minister Youssef Raji convened with his Syrian counterpart, Asaad al-Shibani, in Brussels. They discussed the evolving situation at the border and reaffirmed their commitment to maintain open lines of communication as reported by Lebanon’s state news agency, NNA.
The agreement on a ceasefire between Lebanon and Syria marks a significant step toward de-escalation following deadly clashes that claimed multiple lives and injured many others. Continuous dialogue between military intelligence will be critical in preventing further incidents. The geopolitical implications of these events underscore the shifting landscape in the region, particularly in light of the recent power dynamics ensuing from the fall of Assad’s regime.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
